TORRANCE, Calif., and WASHINGTON, D.C. -

As Toyota informed the agency it’s recalling approximately 690,000 pickups, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an official investigation of about 4.9 million Chrysler SUVs, trucks and vans stemming from a petition sent by the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).

NHTSA indicated in a notice posted on its website on Monday that the defect investigation stems from alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed beginning in the 2007 model year. CAS alleges that TIPM failures have resulted in a wide array of incidents, including:

— Engine stall
— Airbag non-deployment
— Random horn, headlight, taillight, door lock, instrument panel and windshield wiper activity
— Failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration
— Fires

The petition includes a list of 70 complaints received by CAS that are allegedly related to Chrysler TIPM failures.

NHTSA officials indicated preliminary analysis of 63 complaints related to TIPM equipped vehicles identified 51 reports alleging incidents of engine stall (17) or no-start (34). They noted three complaints reported incidents of smoke (2) or fire (1).

“None of the reports provided alleged TIPM failures resulting in airbag non-deployment or unintended acceleration and none of the complaints alleged a crash,” NHTSA said.

In a supplement to the petition, CAS identified 24 crashes from NHTSA's Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database that it believes may be related to TIPM failure and requested that NHTSA review these as part of its petition evaluation.

As reported previously by Auto Remarketing, Chrysler notified NHTSA of a safety defect in the Totally Integrated Power Module-7 (TIPM 7) in approximately 188,723 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles from the 2011 model year and equipped with 3.6-liter and 5.7-liter engines.

According to Chrysler, some Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles may experience a failure in the fuel pump relay within the TIPM, which can result in a no-start or stall condition.

NHTSA indicated 36 of the complaints submitted with the CAS petition involve 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with 3.6-liter and 5.7-liter engines.

Toyota Recalls Tacoma

In other industry news coming to light on Monday, Toyota Motor Sales USA advised NHTSA of plans to conduct a voluntary safety recall of Tacoma 4×4 and Tacoma Pre-Runner pickup trucks from the 2005 through 2011 model year.

Covering about 690,000 pickups, Toyota explained the involved vehicles’ rear suspension system contains leaf springs that are constructed of either three or four leaves. The automaker said there is a possibility that a leaf could fracture due to stress and corrosion.

“If this occurs and the vehicle continues to be operated, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank,” Toyota said. “If the broken leaf contacts the fuel tank repeatedly, it could puncture the tank and cause a fuel leak.  In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire.”

Toyota insisted it is not aware of any fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this condition.

Officials noted owners of the vehicles involved in this recall will receive a notification by first class mail, and franchised dealers will remedy the condition at no cost to the owner.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at (800) 331-4331.

Another Chrysler Recall

Meanwhile back from the OEM in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler is voluntarily recalling an estimated 349,442 older-model vehicles to correct conditions that may cause ignition keys to become stuck or inadvertently move.

Chrysler investigated and found the ignition keys on certain 2008 model-year vehicles produced before May 12, 2008, may not fully return to the “ON” position after rotation to the “START” position during engine-startup. Instead, they may remain between the “START” and “ON” positions.

“If this occurs, windshield defroster and wiper function may be lost. Air bag function is not affected,” the automaker said.

Chrysler explained that less probable is the prospect that an ignition key may not fully return to the “ON” position after rotation to the “START” position and may inadvertently move through the “ON” position to “ACCESSORY” or “OFF.”

OEM officials said, “If this occurs, it may result in reduced braking power and a loss of engine power, power steering, and one or more of the vehicle’s safety features including front air bags.”

Among the vehicles subject to recall, Chrysler said it is aware of a single minor accident that was possibly related to either condition. The company is unaware of any related injuries.

The campaign is limited to 2008 Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Magnum station wagons, Chrysler 300 sedans, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. It covers an estimated 292,224 vehicles in the U.S.; 18,976 in Canada; 4,947 in Mexico; and 33,295 outside the NAFTA region.

 All affected customers will be notified when they may schedule service, which will be provided at no cost to them. In the interim, owners of these models are advised to confirm their ignition keys are set in the “ON” position (1 o’clock) after starting their vehicles. This will assure engine power and intended functionality of all systems, including front air bags.

As a supplementary precaution, customers are advised to detach their ignition keys from key rings and other keys.

Owners with questions may also call Chrysler’s Customer Information Center at (800) 853-1403.